Softball

MAXIMUM SPORTS CONDITIONING
SOFTBALL TRAINING PHILOSOPHY

Maximum’s philosophy on training softball players stems from the sportspecific actions they need to build, and the tools that college coaches and professional scouts use to judge the ability and potential of pitchers and position players.
These are:

POSITION PLAYERS

Ability to hit for average

Ability to hit for power

Ability to throw (arm strength)

Ability to defend (position specific)

Ability to run

PITCHERS

Arm strength

Ability to locate

Movement on the ball

Change of speeds

Ability to throw a 3rd and 4th pitch for a strike

Mound presence, focus, control of running game

Based on these skills, softball players must develop joint stability and connective tissue strength through the shoulder and elbow (to support and stabilize the arm action), core strength and rotary speed (to support the lower lumber spine during throwing and hitting motion, and ability to create torque through separation of hips and hands to generate bat speed and arm speed), posterior chain strength and power (to develop strength through glutes, hips, and legs), reactive ability and quickness (for starting speed and defensive ability), and grip/forearm strength (to create bat speed and rotation on the ball when throwing). Although each position has its unique demands, all softball players must improve these essential basic motor abilities. A softball player’s ability to run is most often judged by her times from home to first and her 40 yd dash. Although the application of a 40 yd dash to softball specific speed is questionable, it is important because coaches use it as a solid measurement of overall speed.